Deerfield Man Sentenced For Stealing From Disabled Kids' Group

CHICAGO — A Deerfield man, who was once the executive director of a Northfield-based nonprofit organization for physically and psychologically challenged children, has been sentenced for stealing from it.

Stuart Nitzkin, 45, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in federal prison Thursday stemming from crimes committed between 2011 and 2016, including stealing more than $800,000 from American Friends Of Israel Sports Center for the Disabled and using the money for personal expenses and credit card payments. In addition to the 42-month prison sentence, he was fined $150,000 and ordered to pay the remaining restitution of $516,400 by U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis, according to court documents.

Nitzkin pleaded guilty earlier this year to a wire fraud charge.

While in his role as executive director, prosecutors said Nitzkin knowingly submitted invoices and receipts for payment and reimbursement of expenses that he claimed were incurred on behalf of the organization. The expenses Nitzkin submitted for reimbursement included luxury vacations for Nitzkin and his family to Nevada, Florida, Ireland and Puerto Rico, personal golfing expenses, tickets to professional sporting events, personal medical expenses, real estate taxes for his family residence, health club dues and household goods.

Nitzkin also pocketed cash from the organization’s fundraising events and took money from the charity’s bank accounts through ATM and other withdrawals, all for his personal benefit, according to court documents.

Attorney Adam Sheppard, who represents Nitzkin, wrote in a defense memo that he raised more than $11 million for American Friends of Israel Sports Center for the Disabled during his time as executive director. Sheppard also noted that the charity's total revenue increased from $800,000 in 2011 to $2 million in 2013.

"Mr. Nitzkin does not suggest that his contributions to the charity in any way excuses his conduct; however, the overall financial health of the charity under Mr. Nitzkin distinguishes this case from others where the defendant left a victim in 'financial ruin,'" Sheppard wrote.

American Friends of Israel Sports Center for the Disabled, founded in 1960, is "one of the world pioneers in the field of sport rehabilitation," according to its website. The company's U.S. headquarters are located in Northfield and the organization characterizes itself as a "home away from home to around 2,500 Israelis of all ages."

Prosecutors said in addition to the monetary loss and "the betrayal," American Friends of Israel Sports Center for the Disabled had to "spend considerable time and money dealing with accountants and lawyers to straighten out the financial mess" as a result of Nitzkin's actions. They also contend the organization had to reassure and rebuild its donor base.

Nitzkin's LinkedIn profile states that he has worked as the chief executive officer of MVP Staffing, where he has worked since 2016, according to his profile. The profile shows no work history prior to 2016.

RELATED:

• Deerfield Man Pleads Guilty To Stealing From Disabled Kids' Group
• Deerfield Man Stole $831K From Disabled Kids' Organization — Feds

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